At about 15:00 on December 16, 2023, a carbon monoxide poisoning accident occurred in a self-built rental house in Nanban Community, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, resulting in 29 injuries.
The immediate cause of the accident.
After on-site investigation and expert opinions, it was preliminarily determined that the direct cause of the accident was that the boiler was installed in a closed room and there were no ventilation facilities, the combustion in the boiler was insufficient, and the flue gas contained a certain concentration of carbon monoxide, which overflowed through the gap between the boiler body and the flue, resulting in the poisoning of many tenants.
After examination at the hospital, the carboxyhemoglobin of the injured person exceeded the normal value, and carbon monoxide poisoning was diagnosed. The exact cause is subject to further investigation.
Winter weather is cold.
In an environment where doors and windows are closed and ventilation is reduced.
Use gas boilers, gas water heaters, coal stoves.
Some catering enterprises use gas "energy rings" and "windshields" and other products in violation of regulations.
It can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
6 myths about carbon monoxide poisoning.
1. Only burning coal can cause poisoning.
All carbon-containing fuels can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide when they cannot be fully burned due to lack of oxygen. Whether it is burning gasoline, kerosene, ordinary charcoal, or "environmentally friendly charcoal";
Second, there is no soot and odor, and it will not be poisoned.
Carbon monoxide itself is colorless and odorless, it is difficult for people to detect, if the doors and windows are closed at this time to form a confined space, people are very easy to be poisoned by carbon monoxide inside. When burning charcoal at home for warmth, it should be extinguished and moved outside before going to bed;
3. Gaps in doors and windows will not be poisoned.
The specific gravity of air is 1 and the specific gravity of carbon monoxide is 0967, if the gap between the door and window is at a low place, carbon monoxide is not easy to discharge;
Fourth, the installation of chimneys or wind pipes will not be poisoned.
Poisoning can also occur if the smoke is poured into the wind and the chimney is blocked, and the carbon monoxide is not emitted or the emission is small. Many families use old air pipes, or the air pipes are too small, the installation height is not enough, etc., carbon monoxide discharge is not smooth, and it can also cause poisoning;
5. Put a basin of water by the stove to prevent poisoning.
It has been scientifically proven that carbon monoxide is extremely insoluble in water and does not have a preventive effect;
6. Vinegar and sauerkraut soup can save poisoned patients.
For carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in comatose patients, pouring vinegar or sauerkraut soup into the mouth is easy to choke into the lungs, blocking alveolar gas exchange, resulting in aggravation of the condition and even death.
3 potential risks that are easy to overlook.
1. Use a gas water heater.
The water heater should be separated from the bathroom, and when using a gas water heater, the bathroom and the room where the water heater is located should be ventilated. The bathing time should not be too long, and no more people should take a bath continuously. It is forbidden to use in-line gas water heaters indoors.
2. Cook charcoal hot pot indoors and make tea around the stove.
Try not to burn charcoal to cook hot pot or tea around the stove indoors, do not close doors and windows, and keep the room ventilated.
3. Driving a vehicle.
If the car is on fire for a long time, the windows should be opened to prevent suffocation caused by exhaust backflowDon't sleep in a car with the doors and windows closed and the air conditioning on, and turn on the air conditioner when the car is parked and open the windows for some gaps.
Article**: Ministry of Emergency Management.